Macrogeographic genetic variation in a human commensal: Aedes aegypti, the yellow fever mosquito

Abstract

Genetic variation at 11 enzyme loci in Aedes aegypti populations collected from 63 localities around the world is presented. A UPGMA tree based on genetic distance values clusters populations of sylvan A. aegypti formosus from West Africa and East Africa together, along with Asian and south-eastern U. S. populations. Domestic A. aegypti aegypti from East Africa and all other New World populations form the other major cluster. Multivariate discriminant analysis allows recognition of seven major global ‘genetic–geographic' groups, which are consistent with the genetic distance data. Populations from the south-eastern U. S. are clearly genetically distinct from other U. S. and Mexican populations. This distinct gene pool may be indicative of reinfestation of areas where A. aegypti appears to have been absent in the recent past. Other evolutionary and epidemiological implications of the genetic population structure of Aedes aegypti are discussed. © 1983, Cambridge University Press. All rights reserved.